SCYNEXIS Presents New Preclinical Data on Second Generation Fungerp SCY-247 at the 11th Congress on Trends in Medical Mycology (TIMM)

Rhea-AI Summary

SCYNEXIS presents preclinical data on second-generation antifungal candidate SCY-247 at medical mycology conference.

Positive

• SCY-247 shows potent and broad-spectrum in vitro activity against fungal pathogens, including multi-drug resistant strains.
• SCY-247 demonstrates fungicidal activity against Candida albicans and Candida auris, as well as dose-dependent in vivo efficacy in a mouse model of invasive candidiasis.
• SCY-247 exhibits extensive tissue distribution in mice, including brain penetration.

Negative

• None.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SCYNEXIS, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCYX), a biotechnology company pioneering innovative medicines to overcome and prevent difficult-to-treat and drug-resistant infections, today announced the presentation of preclinical data on its second generation fungerp candidate, SCY-247, against a broad panel of fungal pathogens. The analyses were presented by Mahmoud Ghannoum, Ph.D, Professor and Director Center for Medical Mycology, Case Western Reserve University, in an oral presentation titled, “SCY-247, a Second-generation IV/Oral Triterpenoid Antifungal: In Vitro Activity Against a Broad-spectrum of Fungal Pathogens, and Dose-dependent Tissue Distribution In Vivo” at the 11^th Congress on Trends in Medical Mycology (TIMM) held in Athens Greece October 20-23, 2023.

“We are excited to see the progress in the development of this novel compound from the fungerp family,” said Dr. Martin Hoenigl, FECMM, Associate Professor of Translational Mycology at University of Graz, Austria and president of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM). “With the growing concern over antifungal resistance and the increase in the number of vulnerable patients susceptible to deadly fungal infections, there is an urgent need to address current gaps in our armamentarium with new therapies, particularly potent and broad-spectrum antifungals with oral and IV formulations and low risk for drug-drug interactions.”

The preclinical study evaluated the activity of second-generation triterpenoid antifungal candidate SCY-247 against a range of fungal pathogens, including multi-drug resistant strains. Results illustrated the potent and broad-spectrum in vitro activity of SCY-247, including against a large array of yeasts, molds and dimorphic fungi. Results also demonstrated SCY-247’s extensive tissue distribution in mice, including brain penetration. Finally, SCY-247 demonstrated fungicidal activity against multi-drug resistant strains, including Candida albicans and Candida auris, as well as evidence of dose-dependent in vivo efficacy in a mouse model of invasive candidiasis.

About SCY-247

SCY-247 is a second-generation antifungal compound from a novel class of structurally-distinct glucan synthase inhibitors, triterpenoids (fungerps), under development as a therapeutic option for systemic fungal diseases. The fungerps represent the first new class of antifungal compounds since 2001. These agents combine the well-established activity of glucan synthase inhibitors with the potential flexibility for oral and intravenous (IV) routes of administration. SCY-247 has demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activity, in vitro and in vivo, and SCYNEXIS anticipates that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may grant SCY-247 Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track designations for its IV and oral formulations. SCYNEXIS plans to begin clinical studies in the second half of 2024.

About SCYNEXIS

SCYNEXIS, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCYX) is a biotechnology company pioneering innovative medicines to help millions of patients worldwide overcome and prevent difficult-to-treat infections that are becoming increasingly drug-resistant. SCYNEXIS is developing the company’s proprietary antifungal platform, known as “fungerps”. Ibrexafungerp, the first representative of this novel class, has been licensed to GSK. The FDA approved BREXAFEMME^® (ibrexafungerp tablets) in June 2021, for its first indication in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), followed by a second indication in November 2022, for reduction in the incidence of recurrent VVC. Late-stage clinical investigation of ibrexafungerp for the treatment of life-threatening invasive fungal infections in hospitalized patients is ongoing. Additional antifungal assets from this novel class are currently in pre-clinical and discovery phase, including the compound SCY-247. For more information, visit www.scynexis.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in the last two sentences of the section “About SCY-247” in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For information regarding these risks and uncertainties, see SCYNEXIS' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2023, including under the caption "Risk Factors." These forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. SCYNEXIS undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

CONTACT: 
Investor Relations
Irina Koffler
LifeSci Advisors
Tel: (646) 970-4681
ikoffler@lifesciadvisors.com

FAQ

What is the news about?

The news is about SCYNEXIS presenting preclinical data on their second-generation antifungal candidate SCY-247 at a medical mycology conference.

What are the key findings of the study?

The study found that SCY-247 has potent and broad-spectrum in vitro activity against fungal pathogens, including multi-drug resistant strains. It also demonstrated fungicidal activity against Candida albicans and Candida auris, as well as dose-dependent in vivo efficacy in a mouse model of invasive candidiasis. Additionally, SCY-247 exhibited extensive tissue distribution in mice, including brain penetration.

Why is this important for investors?

This is important for investors because the positive preclinical data suggests that SCY-247 has the potential to be a promising antifungal therapy. If further clinical trials are successful, it could lead to increased market value for SCYNEXIS, Inc. and potentially attract investor interest.

What is the potential market for antifungal therapies?

The potential market for antifungal therapies is significant, especially with the growing concern over antifungal resistance and the increase in the number of vulnerable patients susceptible to deadly fungal infections. There is an urgent need for new therapies, particularly potent and broad-spectrum antifungals with oral and IV formulations and low risk for drug-drug interactions.

What are the implications of SCY-247's tissue distribution in mice?

The extensive tissue distribution of SCY-247, including brain penetration, suggests that it may have the ability to effectively target and treat fungal infections in various parts of the body, including the central nervous system.

What are the next steps for SCY-247?

The next steps for SCY-247 would likely involve further clinical trials to evaluate its safety and efficacy in humans. If the results continue to be positive, it could potentially progress towards regulatory approval and commercialization.